A NUMBER of animal rights activists have been arrested following a blockade at four McDonald’s distribution centres in the UK over the weekend.

Animal Rebellion is demanding that the fast food chain go 'meat-free' by 2025, and around 50 protesters took part in demonstrations which blocked deliveries to the company's 1300 UK outlets by using trucks and bamboo structures to stop lorries leaving depots in Hemel Hempstead, Basingstoke, Coventry and Heywood, Greater Manchester.

Fourteen people were arrested on Saturday during the protests, eight individuals on suspicion of aggravated trespass in Basingstoke and six others in Hemel Hempstead on suspicion of aggravated trespass, criminal damage and intimidating behaviour.

“We recognise the right to a peaceful protest, however there are safety concerns as the sole entrance and exit point to the distribution site has been blocked and this is causing significant disruption to businesses, which we are taking seriously,” said a West Midlands Police spokesperson at the time. “We have asked the small group of activists to remain mindful of road users and in particular emergency vehicles and will continue to maintain an open dialogue with them.”

Animal Rebellion protesters accused McDonald's of fuelling the climate emergency and have launched a petition to force the chain to become fully plant-based by 2025, which has so far received around 2500 signatures.

A comment from Animal Rebellion read: “In order to prevent habitat destruction, climate change, animal suffering, human suffering and future pandemics we must transition to a just, sustainable plant-based food system. We are calling on McDonalds to lead the way by pledging to transition to a fully plant-based menu by 2025.”

Protesters called for McDonald's to follow other chain restaurants such as Wagamama and Ikea who have both pledged to become 50% plant-based in the next two years. Six months ago, the fast food chain announced plans to introduce a line of plant-based meat alternatives called 'McPlant' in 2021.

McDonalds customers over the weekend felt the impact of the disruptions with some menu items not being available. An apology was issued to customers which read: “We are temporarily experiencing a shortage of some ingredients. Consequently, some menu items might be temporarily unavailable, or ingredients may be missing. We apologise in advance to any customers impacted and thank you for your patience.

On Sunday, a spokesperson for McDonald’s UK confirmed that distribution centres had reopened and were back to delivering to all its restaurants.